Gargan

Upon seeing that Kanus is happy to carry on as he asks questions Gargan smiles to Cloudfur and says "Indeed, let us make our way." With that he heads out towards the Bent Nail with the others. As they go he turns to Kanus and answers his question, speaking casually as if the acquaintance he speaks of is everyday: "Supposedly it is a cache of money that Dagult Neverember himself stashed away in secret, though when we spoke with his son Renaer he didn't know anything about it."

Cloudfur

"and the key to this cache is believed to be associated with Renaer, whom we met.  And now it appears the forces our there think that we have this key now or know where to find it.  Perhaps those Zhents were sent to our manor and the gnome stopped them somehow."

Cloudfur

"I also now recall another individual down the street looking suspicious as well.  Near a sign with eyes like mine, possibly one of our neighbors." 

(OOC - I went back to see if there was a better description of how the bodies were arranged or anything else when I came across this observation that I almost missed - not sure if it's important or not but it does give us another possible lead)

Kanus Tredicim

"Must be a lot of coin" Kanus says plainly, for a moment a small grin can be seen, but then it fades as he remembers those who had been hurt for it. "What do we expect to find at this Bent Nail?"

Jack: You head down the street to the building with the cat-eye sign out front.  The scene is still roped off and it looks like they are starting to cart the bodies off.  Fewer guards are there than before.

You try the door and it is locked.  You ring the bell beside the door and after a few moments it is answered by a rather sharply dressed human, holding a burning pipe.  Without a word he nods at you and steps aside, encouraging you to enter out of the cold.  Inside you find a regal, well appointed apartment of sorts.  The main living room has a couch and two large chairs surrounding a small coffee table.  Behind them an office area is set up with a large desk and single chair.  In one of the chairs is seated a quite well-dressed human woman - the one you had seen outside earlier.

"Welcome.  I saw you outside earlier speaking with Cromley.  Very thorough that one, I'd wager he's talked to every living thing within 3 blocks by now.  But I suppose a spectacle like this warrants a full investigation - people are going to want answers.  My name is Vincent.  This is Jezrynne - one of my clients.  She was just leaving my office as the blast went off.  She came back in to keep warm until the area is opened back up again and she can leave".  What can I do for you, young lady?"

The rest of you head towards the Bent Nail.  Rounding the corner you find the street largely deserted.  Most of the buildings on this part of the alley are residential - the Bent Nail is in fact the only shop.  The road ends in a cul-de-sac to the right, and to the left it rounds a corner that meets back up with the main road in the area.

When you try the door you find the shop is locked up.  A smaller banner hangs from the sign that says "Closed".  You aren't sure what hours Tully typically keeps - it's early to mid morning still, so it may be reasonable that it is still closed.

Jezrynne pipes up:  “I sure did.  I tell you, it was not a man. More like a puppet shaped like a man. A puppet without strings. It was on the rooftop. It hurled something into the crowd below that caused the explosion. I saw those halflings burned alive! I saw them!  I told that Watchman but I'm not sure if he believed me.  I can't get the image out of my head!"

Vincent adds "She seems quite convinced this is the person or .. thing .. responsible.  I'm not so sure.  I was in here when it happened so I don't know for sure.  The thing she describes .. it sounds like one of those things in the Parade of Wonders every year".

Vincent replies "The parade is put on by the Temple of Gond.  It takes place every year in the fall.  They are called Nimblewrights.  Or at least the ones in the parade.  Magical constructs of sorts, though I believe largely created as servants.  Although she seems convinced of this connection I'm not sure these things are capable of what she suggests.  Regardless, I suppose it's worth looking into".

Jezrynne looks out the window of the shop, "Ah it looks like the quarantine is being lifted and the guards are clearing out.  Pleasure speaking with you but I'll take my leave.  Vincent, we'll be in touch regarding our little project I assume.  Speak to you then."  She quickly bundles up, opens the front door and leaves.  The door swings closed behind her.

Jack 

"Project?" Elf-Jack turns to Vincent to ask well after Jezrynne leaves the building. Before he can say anything however, she quickly raises her hand and smiles sheepishly. "N-not my business, I-I know. Not that this whole th-thing with NImblewrights is too, but..." She trails off smiling, and following a quick bow Evrae leaves to find the others hopefully still near the bent nail. 

Cloudfur

The tabaxi looks around to see if he can see any neighbors or anyone watching them

[Perception: 20]

and then looks to see if there are any windows he can peek in to.

Kanus Tredicim

"I think he's missing out on us early drinkers" Kanus said, nodding toward the still closed tavern. "Are we sure the person went here?"

(The Bent Nail is the furniture shop)

You don't see anyone around this area.  You peer in one of Tully's windows and try to see in.  The light inside is dim but there's enough natural light to mostly see.  Nothing looks out of the ordinary - you see a show room with various displays of furniture examples, a small counter and a door that you assume leads back into the workshop.  You don't see anyone in there.

Kanus Tredicim

As Kanus peers through the windows he looks back to the others, "This is a furniture shop? I thought it was a tavern. Maybe the taverns shouldn't be open for us early drinkers after all"

Cloudfur

The tabaxi turns and looks at Kanus, then leans in and sniffs him "You don't smell drunk, but you're talking like one...."

(OOC - wait we know this guy don't we? isn't he the one Gargan contracted to fix up the manor?)

(yes, that's him)

Gargan

Looking at Kanus slightly bemused Gargan adds "Yes this is a furniture shop, owned by one Mr Tally Fellbranch. I don't know where you got the idea that this was a tavern. Mr Fellbranch is providing us with the furnishings to our manor...and is a man that we owe a fair debt to in return for those services. I do hope he hasn't run into any trouble with the perpetrators of the attack."

With that Gargan moves to the front door and simply knocks on it fairly loudly adding "Mr Fellbranch, I must apologise that it is early but might you have some time?" and awaits an answer.

Cloudfur

While they stand around the outside of the Bent Nail, he is suddenly reminded of something at the mention of Tally's surname.  He will pull out his last paper bird and a piece of charcoal and begin writing on it.  When he's done he folds it up and whispers the name Melannor Fellbranch and releases the bird in to the air.  In a few moments of forgetfulness he playfully tries to bat at the bird as it flies away.

Kanus Tredicim

Kanus stood a bit taller and straightened his armor as a measure of 'righting' himself, and watched as Gargan knocked and Cloudfur scrawled. "Yea well, it was an 'onest mistake"